Earthquakes are common in British Columbia and more than 1,200 are recorded each year. Most are too small to be felt, but an earthquake capable of causing structural damage is expected to occur about once every ten years.

Find out what you can do now to make sure you and your family are prepared when an earthquake occurs:

Earthquake Preparedness Guide

The Earthquake Preparedness Guide (822 KB) is a thorough and informative document that talks about what to do in the event of an earthquake, what happens during an earthquake and much more.

Tsunamis

Tsunamis are rare but serious events. While many areas of coastal British Columbia may be threatened in the event of a tsunami, scientific and technical experts generally agree that Delta and other Metro Vancouver communities are at low risk for tsunamis generated in the Pacific Ocean. Additional risks may exist in the event of a near-shore earthquake; however, such earthquakes have been found to be extremely rare throughout history. Visit the Emergency Management BC website for more information regarding tsunamis in British Columbia.

Each year, a number of areas throughout British Columbia experience fires. Fires can spread quickly causing widespread damage, loss and injury, making them a serious hazard. The best protection against the devastation that fires can cause is prevention. It is important that Delta residents understand the fire hazards both in their home and surrounding community in order to prevent the risk of a fire.

Fire Prevention Information

The following websites provide the following information on fire risks, prevention and preparedness:

Delta's location on the Fraser River floodplain puts the community at risk of flooding. The main flood threat for Delta occurs when winter storms leave a heavy snowpack and are followed by a sudden spell of hot weather in late spring or early summer. The area's two major floods, in 1894 and 1948, were both a result of a spring freshet.

What is a freshet?

A freshet is the occurrence of a high water flow resulting from heavy rain or a heavy snowpack followed by the onset of warm weather. Freshet flooding can occur when the Fraser River begins to rise in the late spring/early summer.

Delta's Dike System

Delta's dikes surround the entire lowland area, protecting the community from high water levels along the Fraser River, the Strait of Georgia and Boundary Bay. The dike system consists of more than 61 kilometres of river bank dikes and sea dikes. The river dikes protect areas adjacent to the Fraser River from flooding that may occur from high tides, storm surge or flood flows. Sea dikes and seawalls provide protection from high tides, storm surge, waves and debris.

There are partial secondary dikes on the Tsawwassen First Nation lands, and the Cuthburt Dike in the Brunswick Point area. Elevated roads / highways, such as Deltaport Way, Highway 17 and Highway 99, would also provide some secondary flood protection if the primary dike was breached.

Delta's dikes were built prior to the 1894 flood, rebuilt following the 1948 flood and upgraded in the 1970s and 1980s. Today, Delta's dike system is constructed to the 200-year flood level, which means the risk of flooding is estimated to be 0.5 per cent in a given year. There is a 99.5 per cent chance that flooding from high water will not occur. Delta inspects, maintains and upgrades the dikes regularly to ensure they continue to function as designed.

Delta's Drainage System

Ditches and more than 30 pump stations and flood boxes regulate water levels and protect the community from flooding. This system ensures drainage of the floodplain lands by conveying storm flows to the Fraser River or the sea. When the risk of flooding is lower in the summer months, the drainage system is also used as an irrigation storage system to help local farmers with crop production.

Delta staff maintain the pipes and ditches so that water flows uninterrupted. If a spill is reported, staff respond to the incident quickly in order to minimize the environmental impact.

Flood History

The greatest flood on record occurred in 1894, affecting the southern half of British Columbia. Because development was sparse, the flood caused little damage. During a second major flood in 1948, the dikes failed. Ten people died, 2,000 homes were destroyed and 16,000 residents were evacuated. It's estimated that if this flood occurred today, it would cause $1.8 billion in damage throughout the Fraser Valley.

During the winter, it is important to remember that winter storms can create personal safety issues if you are not prepared. Monitoring weather forecasts and paying attention to personal emergency preparedness will reduce any possible impacts to your family and property. It is a good idea to routinely listen to local radio or television stations for weather warnings and advice.

Hazards and risks associated with winter weather include:

Car accidents due to slippery roadways

Slips and falls on slippery walkways

Falls from heights (e.g.: cleaning the gutters or roof)

Hypothermia and frostbite due to exposure

Being struck by falling objects such as tree branches

Risks due to downed power lines or downed objects in contact with power lines

Roof collapse or property damage under weight of snow or falling trees

Exhaustion, exposure or dehydration

Isolation and lack of basic supplies including prescription medications

Stranded motorists

Injuries while shoveling snow

Melting snow or storm surges causing flooding

Home fire safety risk

Power Outage and Storm Preparedness

Although most power outages last for just a few minutes, in extreme cases such as during severe weather events, outages can last for longer periods of time. Extended power outages do happen from time to time, so it is important to be prepared.

Think ahead and have a flashlight, extra batteries and candles on supply. Remember to use candles with caution and with proper candle holders. Never leave burning candles unattended, as they can be a potential fire hazard. It is recommended to use flashlights instead. Prepare for possible isolation in your home and consider an alternative safe heating system. Ensure that you have sufficient heating fuel for fire places or wood burning stoves. Every home should have smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and sprinklers, and families should have a fire escape plan in place.

It is a good idea to assess the trees on your property and trim dead branches to reduce the danger of them falling onto power lines or your house during a storm.

Stay away from fallen power lines. A hanging power line could be charged (live) and you may run the risk of electrocution. Also remember that ice, branches or power lines can continue to break and fall for several hours after the end of the storm.

Home-heating Systems

Most home-heating systems depend on electric power. To prepare for a power failure, you may consider installing a non-electric standby stove or heater. Choose approved heating units that do not depend on an electric motor, electric fan or other electrical devices to function. If the standby heating unit uses the normal house oil or gas supply, ensure that it is connected and vented properly.

Before considering the use of an emergency home generator during a power outage, check with the dealer or manufacturer regarding power requirements and proper operating procedures. Use caution and follow directions when operating generators, insuring they are in a proper well-ventilated area. Do not connect your home portable generator directly to a house wiring system without the proper installation of an approved transfer switch and inspection and approval by an electrical inspector.

Furnace and fireplace maintenance considerations are very important in preparing for winter weather. Never use a camp stove, barbecue, or propane or kerosene heater indoors. A build-up of carbon monoxide gas in unventilated areas can be deadly.

If your home-heating system fails, the following precautions may be considered:

Remain calm - your house may remain warm for several hours

Avoid opening doors unnecessarily

During a power failure, turn off all electrical appliances

If you have a safe, approved alternate heat source, begin using it before the house cools down

Ensure that you maintain adequate ventilation

Stay warm by dressing in layers and bringing out extra blankets

Consider closing off one room for primary heating and use

If concerned over pipes freezing, opening a tap even a small amount may keep water moving through the system enough to keep pipes from freezing

For information about power outages and estimated power restoration in your area, visit BC Hydro.

Icy Conditions

Remember, stairways and sidewalks may be icy and increase the risk of falls. Keep these areas clear and snow free. Consider using some salt, sand or other material to provide traction in these areas.

Hypothermia

Wind-chill is a combination of cold temperatures and wind conditions which may cause rapid loss of body temperature. Excess wind-chill may require special precautions for outdoor activities. If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, know how to begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate medical assistance.

Evacuations

In extreme conditions, some people may want to make arrangements to stay with relatives, friends or neighbours. Listen to weather forecasts and instructions from local officials, as reception centres may be set up to assist residents. Keep an eye out for neighbours who may be at-risk in severe conditions. Always follow the instructions of first responders and local emergency officials.

Stock an emergency kit to ensure a supply of basic essentials in your home for at least 72 hours. If you must leave your home on short notice, remember to take your emergency kit. This should include:

The City of Delta and Fraser Health Authority want to ensure you have a healthy summer by offering the following heat and safety tips.

Stay cool

Avoid strenuous activities when the sun is at its hottest (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Drink plenty of water or other cool, non-alcoholic, decaffeinated drinks to prevent
dehydration

Find a shady spot, or a cool or air-conditioned place to relax on warm days

Never leave your children or pets in parked vehicles on warm days. Also, check in on elderly neighbours and family members living alone as they are one of the highest risk groups for heat-related illnesses

Recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses: excess or the absence of perspiration, headache, dizziness and nausea, changes in mental status and laboured breathing

Stay sun safe

Any time you are outdoors in the sun, remember to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Apply 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply often, especially after perspiring or going in the water

Even in overcast conditions, you can get a sunburn. Up to 80 per cent of the sun's rays can penetrate light clouds, mist and fog, and up to 85 per cent can be reflected back from
surfaces such as water, concrete and sand

Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing, a hat with a brim and 100 per cent UV blocking sunglasses

Eat safe

Keep cold refrigerated foods like lunch meats, pasta salads or other perishable foods
in an insulated cooler packed with lots of ice or several ice packs

When grilling foods, cook to proper temperatures. When in doubt, use a probe
thermometer to ensure that all meat and poultry have reached a safe internal
temperature (at least 71° C or 160° F) to kill harmful bacteria that cause food borne
illnesses

Store leftovers in separate, shallow, covered containers in the refrigerator and eat within
two days

Clean and sanitize all surfaces, and cooking and eating utensils, especially after coming
in contact with raw meat

Play safe

When biking, hiking or playing outdoors, make sure you bring enough water and easy-to-carry snacks that will provide plenty of energy and rehydration.

Always wear a helmet and other protective equipment when biking, skateboarding or
rollerblading and ensure good fit and proper use of gear. Wear life jackets while boating.

When participating in an outdoor activity at dusk or after dark, wear lightly coloured,
reflective clothing so you are visible to others. If cycling, use front and rear lights on
bikes. Avoid alcohol-related injuries. Do not drive boats or vehicles or engage in
recreational activities while under the influence of alcohol. Plan for a safe ride home
before going out.

For health related questions or concerns, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, 24 hours a day/seven days a week.